CLA Policy – Government Annual Reports

CLA has a policy of examining reports closely where resources allow, because not enough people – and certainly not the media – keep a close watch on what the government is actually saying, publicly. If you have a particular interest, please volunteer to keep watch on a particular department, agency or sector’s official output.

CLA Policy – Censorship

CLA believes society should be free of censors to the maximum extent possible, with the proviso that we endorse protecting children from some content, but decreasingly as they approach their late teens. In general, adults should be free to choose what they consume using the five senses and, of course, should be responsible for their choices. Where art or photography or the like is on public view, governments have a right and responsibility to make choices on behalf of the public, we believe: but the governments should be guided by minimal censorship being the preferred option.

CLA Policy – Young People

The issues facing young people are diverse, ranging from vaccination to sexting. In general, CLA’s position is to support the right of children in general, and the individual child in particular, wherever possible. However, the balancing act in relation to all civil liberties can be even more nuanced when dealing with the Rights of the Child: http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx

CLA Policy – Workplace

Individuals and groups should have the greatest possible equality in bargaining power, protection from discrimination or harassment, and the right to a safe workplace and to work free from the fear of arbitrary dismissal. Workers should also have freedom of association and the right to strike. Resources: CLA policy on technology and civil liberties: see policy document.

CLA’s Policy – Public interest disclosure – whistleblowing

CLA supports the right of people to make a public interest disclosure – ie be a whistleblower* – for the good of the community, to safeguard individuals or groups and/or to ensure that wrongs are corrected. People in authority should respect, not penalise, those who take a stand against corruption or complacency. CLA advises anyone thinking of making a public interest disclosure to contact Whistleblowers, or CLA, for case histories before taking any action. Definition: A whistleblower is someone who reveals wrongdoing, in or by an organization, to the public or to people in authority. The formal term is ‘publicContinue reading

CLA Policy – Terrorism

CLA believes so-called terrorism acts are always criminal offences, and should be so treated. All measures to counter terrorism should conform with international human rights standards, conventions and laws and the customary Australian rule of law.

CLA Policy – Sedition

Some freedoms are fundamental to democracy, CLA believes: freedom of speech; freedom of conscience; freedom of assembly; and freedom of the person. Proper functioning of democracy also depends on government accountability (of elected representatives and their staff, and of public servants), people’s access to information and a fair electoral system based on one vote, one value.